After having a micropeel does your skin appear worse before looking better?

Question

I had a micropeel done yesterday, it was a 3-step peel using lactic acid, dermaplaning, and cryogenic therapy. This was my first time having any treatment done. And today my pores look much worse (larger and more of them), fine lines I didn't have before have suddenly showed up, and my acne scars are more apparent. These are all the problem areas I was hoping to eventually diminish!! Is this normal? After having a micropeel does your skin appear worse before looking better?

Alyson Wells, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for illuminating an important issue.  The answer is yes, your skin always looks worse before it looks better after any peel.  The deeper the peel, the longer the period of time before it looks better.  The peeling agent encourages the topmost layer to slough off, but before it does, it often makes your skin look more crepey (that's crepe-y).  After only 24 hours, it's not possible to really see the improvement you are going to have.  After the skin flakes and sloughs, it may still be a few days before the dewy, more luminous skin is evident.  It is important that you continue with a regimen of a few peels in a row (spaced by 2-3 weeks) so that you get your best result, and to use a medical-grade line of skin care in between (and after) the peels to achieve your best result.  Best wishes for skin you love!

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Often with facial peels you look worse before you get better.
Talk with your provider about the timeline.
Best. Dr Brecht
Seattle, Wa

After having a micropeel does your skin appear worse before looking better?

Answers (2)